Simultaneous INSIDE Bar Break IndicatorSimultaneous Inside Bar Break Indicator (SIBBI) for The Strat Community
Overview:
The Simultaneous Inside Bar Break Indicator (SIBBI) is designed to help traders using The Strat methodology identify one of the most powerful breakout patterns: the Simultaneous Inside Bar Break across multiple symbols. This indicator detects when all four user-selected symbols form inside bars on the previous candle and then break those inside bars in the same direction (either bullish or bearish) on the current candle.
Inside bars represent consolidation periods where price action does not break the high or low of the previous candle. When a simultaneous break occurs across multiple symbols, this often signals a strong move in the market, making this a key actionable signal in The Strat trading strategy.
Key Features:
Multi-Symbol Analysis: You can track up to four different symbols simultaneously. By default, the indicator comes with SPY, QQQ, IWM, and DIA, but you can modify these to track any other assets or symbols.
Inside Bar Detection: The indicator checks whether all four symbols have inside bars on the previous candle. It only triggers when all symbols meet this condition, making it a highly specific and reliable signal.
Simultaneous Break Detection: Once all symbols have inside bars, the indicator waits for a breakout in the same direction across all four symbols. A simultaneous bullish break (prices breaking above the previous candle’s high) triggers a green label, while a simultaneous bearish break (prices breaking below the previous candle’s low) triggers a red label.
Dynamic Label Timeframe: The indicator dynamically adjusts the timeframe in the label based on the user’s selected timeframe. This allows traders to know precisely which timeframe the break is occurring on. If the user selects "Chart Timeframe," the indicator will evolve with the current chart's timeframe, making it more versatile.
Timeframe Flexibility: The indicator can be set to analyze any timeframe—15-minute, 30-minute, 60-minute, daily, weekly, and so on. It only works for the specific timeframe you set it to in the settings. If set to "Chart Timeframe," the label will adapt dynamically based on the timeframe you are currently viewing.
Customizable Labels: The user can choose the size of the labels (tiny, small, or normal), ensuring that the visual output is tailored to individual preferences and chart layouts.
Best Use Case:
The Simultaneous Inside Bar Break Indicator is particularly powerful when applied to multiple timeframes. Here’s how to use it for maximum impact:
Multi-Timeframe Setup: Set the indicator on various timeframes (e.g., 15-minute, 30-minute, 60-minute, and daily) across multiple charts. This allows you to monitor different timeframes and identify when lower timeframe breaks trigger potential moves on higher timeframes.
Anticipating Strong Moves: When a simultaneous inside bar break occurs on one timeframe (e.g., 30-minute), keep an eye on the higher timeframes (e.g., 60-minute or daily) to see if those timeframes also break. This stacking of inside bar breaks can signal powerful market moves.
Higher Conviction Signals: The indicator is designed to provide high-conviction signals. Since it requires all four symbols to break in the same direction simultaneously, it reduces false signals and focuses on higher probability setups, which is crucial for traders using The Strat to time their trades effectively.
How the Indicator Works:
Inside Bar Formation: The indicator first checks that all four selected symbols had inside bars in the previous bar (i.e., the current high and low are contained within the previous bar’s high and low).
Simultaneous Break Detection: After detecting inside bars, the indicator checks if all four symbols break out in the same direction—bullish (breaking above the previous bar’s high) or bearish (breaking below the previous bar’s low).
Label Display: When a simultaneous inside bar break occurs, a label is plotted on the chart—either green for a bullish break (below the candle) or red for a bearish break (above the candle). The label will display the timeframe you set in the settings (e.g., "IBSB 60" for a 60-minute break).
Chart Timeframe Option: If you prefer, you can set the indicator to evolve with the chart’s current timeframe. In this mode, the label will not show a specific timeframe but will still display the simultaneous inside bar break when it occurs.
Recommendations for Usage:
Focus on Multiple Timeframes: The Strat methodology is all about understanding the relationship between different timeframes. Use this indicator on multiple timeframes to get a better picture of potential moves.
Pair with Other Strat Techniques: This indicator is most powerful when combined with other Strat tools, such as broadening formations, timeframe continuity, and actionable signals (e.g., 2-2 reversals). The simultaneous inside bar break can help confirm or invalidate other signals.
Customize Symbols and Timeframes: Although the default symbols are SPY, QQQ, IWM, and DIA, feel free to replace them with symbols more relevant to your trading. This indicator works well across equities, indices, futures, and forex pairs.
How to Set It Up:
Select Symbols: Choose four symbols that you want to track. These can be index ETFs (like SPY and QQQ), individual stocks, or any other tradable instruments.
Set Timeframe: In the indicator’s settings, choose a specific timeframe (e.g., 15-minute, 30-minute, daily). The label will reflect the selected timeframe, making it clear which time-based break you are seeing.
Optional - Chart Timeframe Mode: If you want the indicator to adapt to the chart’s current timeframe, select the "Chart Timeframe" option in the settings. The indicator will plot the breaks without showing a specific timeframe in the label.
Customize Label Size: Depending on your chart layout and personal preference, you can adjust the size of the labels (tiny, small, or normal) in the settings.
Conclusion:
The Simultaneous Inside Bar Break Indicator is a powerful tool for traders using The Strat methodology, offering a highly specific and reliable signal that can indicate potential large market moves. By monitoring multiple symbols and timeframes, you can gain deeper insight into the market's behavior and act with greater confidence. This indicator is ideal for traders looking to catch high-conviction moves and align their trades with broader market continuity.
Note: The indicator works best when paired with multi-timeframe analysis, allowing you to see how breaks on lower timeframes might influence larger trends. For traders who prefer simplicity, setting it to the "Chart Timeframe" mode offers flexibility while maintaining the core benefits of this indicator.